NMA to NAFDAC: Stop fraudulent herbal products’ adverts

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to review its regulation on advertisement of herbal products on the electronic and print media.

The President of the NMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele made the call in Abuja in his paper entitled: ‘Effective leadership in eradicating fake and unwholesome drugs’ during a public presentation of a book, “Modern approach to food and drugs administration and control: NAFDAC success story”, written by Ms. Christabel Julie Okoye.

According to him, the menace of fake and unwholesome drugs is caused by several factors and sustained by “a global network of very rich and influential clique.”

He also pushed for stiffer sanctions and continuous publication of companies which have been blacklisted due to drug counterfeiting by NAFDAC.

He said: “The menace of fake and unwholesome drugs and food products has remained a global concern since it first got global recognition at the World Health Organization Conference of Experts on Rational Drug use held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1985.”

“As it is well known, the menace of fake drugs which is fuelled by several factors, amongst which are the prevalent socio-economic and political situations in most countries, is sustained by a global network of very rich and influential clique.”

According to him, fake and counterfeit drugs which first got on the ascendancy in the mid- 80s, is propelled by several factors which include, but not limited to poor socio-economic situation of Nigeria with over 70% of Nigerians still living on less than N154 per day and “the bug bear of corruption which impinges on the regulatory function of government agencies.”

He maintained that all these factors amongst others have conspired to undermine the Health and Productivity of Nigerians as well as the economy of Nigeria.

“This explains why some have described the menace as an evil bug bean and buga boo that must be conquered by the Collective efforts of Government and all Citizens of the World.”

He went on: “I suggest review of the extant laws to provide for stiffer penalties for offenders. In this vein, I totally support the call by NAFDAC’s DG for life imprisonment for offenders, with no option of fine. There should be improved surveillance/monitoring by the Regulatory Agencies, including NDLEA and Standard Organization of Nigeria

“There should be review of the tariff for registration of drug products to drive greater commitment to quality by drug importers; there should be publication of blacklisted companies and improved revenue base for NAFDAC to enable her establish offices in all states of Nigeria, as well as increase in the number of laboratories controlled by NAFDAC.”

Other measures, he said, should include review of NAFDAC registration of herbal products and strengthening of NAFDAC’s regulation of advertisements of medical products.